Casey Enjoying 'Whirlwind Few Months'

Less than three months ago, Cork-born hooker Duncan Casey was still awaiting his Munster debut.

12 weeks on and the 23-year-old has now played nine games for Munster including three European appearances and a debut in the Heineken Cup at Thomond Park against Perpignan.

"It has been a whirlwind few months but I'm really enjoying it," Casey enthused, "I was really grateful for the opportunity to finally make my debut and delighted to have done it.

"It was an even more special occasion than it otherwise would have been given the occasion that it was. A packed Thomond Park playing against a French team in a crucial game in the Heineken Cup - I suppose few enough people are lucky enough to get their first run in red in that kind of environment."

The Shannon clubman was presented with the opportunity after an unfortunate injury for Mike Sherry moved him up the pecking order to no.2 hooker behind Damien Varley.

Since then, Varley has also missed games due to a delayed concussion and an injury for Niall Scannell, another hooker, meant that all of a sudden Casey was Munster's number one hooker and it's a role that he has flourished in.

"I think I'm thriving in the environment now and my whole approach has stepped up a notch. I'm really looking forward to the remainder of the season and hopefully I can contribute in some way to getting some silverware," said Casey.

"It all took me by surprise to begin with. But having been around the environment for the past 3 or 4 years in some capacity I would have known most of the lads quite well, particularly the Limerick lads, they've all been fantastic and made sure I fitted into the role as comfortably as I possibly could."

One of the stand-out images from the day Casey made his debut was captured after the 36-8 win as Ireland captain Paul O'Connell congratulated the hooker on making his debut.

Casey admitted it will be a nice moment to look back on after his career but his focus now is to ensure that he keeps his place at the top table of Munster Rugby.

"My parents have it framed at home so it will be a real nice sentimental moment to look back on in years to come. To have made my debut alongside I suppose one of the greatest players to have ever worn the red jersey and the green jersey is a real privilege and hopefully I'll have many more appearances alongside him in the future.

"You kinda always wonder when you're waiting for your opportunity and you haven't quite gotten it - you've been there a couple of years and you start to wonder 'am I cut out for this, am I good enough to play at this level?'

"I suppose it was a big challenge being thrust into it the way I was but I think I've responded to it relatively well and I'm really enjoying it now.

"In terms of what I've learned about myself, I had always hoped that I would be able to perform at this level and so far anyway I reckon I've done an ok job so hopefully I can keep improving and contribute to some sort of success by the end of the season."

Over 3000 fans turned up at a sunny Irish Independent Park this morning to watch the extended Ireland training squad continue their World Cup preparations under the watchful eye of Head Coach Joe Schmidt.